Love Bugs

Prior to moving to Louisiana, I thought a love bug was a Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie. Little did I know. Love bugs are peculiar insects that make an appearance here along the Gulf coast biannually in the spring and fall. Each love bug season lasts around a month or so. They waft through the air en masse and live only 4-5 days. They’re almost always conjoined in awkward pairs – mating, of course. But hey, if you only lived a few days, what would you do?

Love bugs are completely harmless. Unless you are a car. They congregate and perish on front ends and windshields, apparently in massive suicide pacts. Their carcasses contain an acid that purportedly pits and pocks car paint. And they stick like super glue.

Love bug season is just about over for this spring. Now all that’s left to do is wash the car.